Elected Member Briefing Note 2026, No. 37
About this Briefing Note
Report by: Alison Jenkins, Service Manager, Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership
EMBN Number: 037-26
Date: 10 March 2026
Subject: Test of Change - North Perth and Kinross Crisis Support Service
Responsible Officer: Jane Menzies, Head of Integrated Health and Care - Adults, Perth and Kinross Health and Social Care Partnership
Details
Purpose
To provide an overview of the upcoming out-of-hours pilot based in North Perth and Kinross for people aged 16+ experiencing mental health, mental wellbeing, suicidal and/or substance use crisis. The pilot will run for a period of sixteen weeks between 13th March and 28th June 2026.
Briefing Information
Engagement with the community has identified the need for an out-of-hours service within the North Locality, particularly Blairgowrie and Rattray, for people aged 16+ experiencing crisis who do not meet the threshold for an NHS intervention. Vulnerable Persons data confirms most crises experienced by individuals is between the hours of 2pm and 2am when services are closed. The lack of response currently often leads to presentation at mental health inpatient services or an escalation of distress.
There is limited out of hours support, and no outreach service available currently. Collaboration with key partners including the Police, Housing, Primary Care and the NHS have identified that the North Locality, specifically the Blairgowrie area that experiences higher levels of poverty and deprivation, requires a more comprehensive response.
The forthcoming test of change will deliver a multi-agency response to this identified need, placing a key focus on prevention, early intervention and the avoidance of crisis. The service will be available in people's homes, in a local resource centre or via phone, and be operational between the hours of 8pm and 2am on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights. The pilot utilises existing Social Work staff to plan, deliver, and evaluate the outcomes achieved. The evaluation framework will assist us in future decision making regarding:
The prevention of suicide
The avoidance of admissions of hospital
Better outcomes for individuals
A single agile response to addressing crisis and avoiding escalation of need
Improved resource use through a more strategic approach
Staff delivering the service bring considerable experience, but in addition have received specialist training in mental health and substance use, ASIST Suicide Prevention training, Naloxone Training, Harm Reduction, Adult Support and Protection and Safe and Together to tackle gender-based violence.
